Tutu: Exclusion of Afrikaners an affront to Madiba

Former president Nelson Mandela would have been appalled at the exclusion of the Afrikaner community exclusion from his funeral, retired archbishop Desmond Tutu has charged, also questioning the leading role handed to the ruling ANC.

Tutu said Mandela had been given "the send-off he deserved" but apologised for the failure to match the icon's renowned openness by not including the country's main white Afrikaans church.

"Madiba would have been appalled, for he was quite determined to be inclusive," said Tutu, referring to Mandela's clan name, in a statement on Monday.

While the funeral itself was "superb", Tutu also challenged the leading role of ANC officials at the main events.

"I also believe it may have sent out a more inclusive message had the programme directors at the memorial and funeral – both national and state events – not both been senior office-bearers of the ruling party," he said.

Known for his no-holds barred frankness, Tutu has been openly critical of the South African government.